Public Interest Disclosure

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (referred to as the PID Act), any person can make a public interest disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority (Department of Justice), public officer (our employees) or (the Department’s) public sector contractor has acted, is acting, or may be going to act and which is of public interest.

This might involve:

Improper conduct

An offence under a written law (including corruption)

Substantial unauthorised or irregular use of, or substantial mismanagement of public resources; or

Conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.

A public interest disclosure must relate to a matter that falls within the sphere of responsibility of the Department of Justice. It cannot relate to information that someone has, or is, engaging in criminal behaviour that is not connected to their employment or engagement with the Department.

The PID Act outlines important information about what may be disclosed, who it must be disclosed to (an authorised PID Officer), and also provides for the protection of people who make a public interest disclosure (PID), as well as those who may be subject of a PID.

For further information?

The Department strongly recommends you seek advice before making a PID by:

Referring to the Public Sector Commission website to read important information for people thinking of making a disclosure as well as details for their protections and obligations under the Act

How to lodge a Public Interest Disclosure

Whilst the PID Act does not require the completion of any particular form to make a disclosure, a person wishing to make a disclosure may choose to print off, complete and sign the Public Interest Disclosure Lodgement form and address and post it as below: